Logistics, Tea, and Sympathy

Hi everybody!! Welcome to my blog article!

My name is Franziska Rowold. I am 24 years old and am currently working in the logistics department at MANN+HUMMEL in Bad Harzburg. Simultaneously, I am pursuing further education to become a “European Business Clerk”. As part of my program, I completed a work placement abroad at MANN+HUMMEL UK (MHUK) in Wolverhampton from April 6th to 26th 2013.

I chose Wolverhampton in order to enhance my English language skills and to get to know their culture, the English way of life, and the local working conditions. Moreover, I wanted to find out how work processes differ in German and English plants.

The logistics and HR department in Bad Harzburg as well as the English colleagues in Wolverhampton were a huge support in making this work placement possible.

My first day started with a plant tour at MHUK. I was shown all the departments and production processes. Particularly noteworthy is the so-called “Social Place” which is a nice room with comfortable sofas, a big automatic coffee machine, and a TV which can be used by the employees for short rest periods.

During these three weeks, I worked in the central warehouse and also in the logistics department (MHUK Supply Chain). It was very interesting and I really enjoyed it. One advantage was that many SAP transactions and work flows were already known to me due to my job in Bad Harzburg. Among other things, I created delivery notes and transport orders for dispatch and posted goods movements.

The work climate was always pleasant and easygoing and I was well-integrated into the team right from the beginning.

Because of my helpful colleagues, the familiarisation was quite easy for me. On the day of my arrival, I was welcomed and shown the town center by them.

However, driving on the left was something I needed to get used to. The bus seemed to come from the “wrong” direction and the bus stops looked reversed. 😆

The wolves of Wolverhampton

After work and on the weekends, I frequently met up with my friendly colleagues at the pub, went shopping, or fed the cute squirrels in West Park. A terrific highlight for me was our visit to the Molineux Stadium to see “The Wolves” play against Huddersfield Town, which had a lively atmosphere despite the rainy weather.

During my stay I also drank delicious English tea, whereby there were countless varieties to choose from.

Finally, I would like to emphasize that I had a really great and eventful time in Wolverhampton. I got to know very nice people, could improve my language skills and expand my knowledge. Therefore, I’d like to thank everyone for the support and help and I can recommend MHUK not only as an internship site, but as a great place to work in general!

AuthorFranziska Rowold

Franziska Rowold worked as an industrial clerk in the logistics department at MANN+HUMMEL in Bad Harzburg.